Hey Guys,

Looks like some of the forums or topics on this are pretty old. Which ones do you think we should delete?  

Greetings everyone,
I wanted to share with you scenes from the Relay For Life events in San Marcos, Texas and at Texas State University.  Enjoy and remember to visit SharingHope.tv to see how others are fighting back! 

http://www.sharinghope.tv./video/1830348

Sharing Hope,
Danny Ingram
Chief Staff Officer, Strategic Initiatives

Hello everyone!
I know it has been quite some time since I've blogged, but as the Relay season gets underway here in the High Plains you'll hear more from me.  However, today, I'm  saddened.  One of our Heroes of Hope, Tori, has left us Monday morning.  She lost her four year battle with Leukemia. Her courage and strength far surpass my own.  I often wonder, could I have been as strong as Tori till the end?

I pray I never have to find out.  I pray the same for each of you and your loved ones.  The loss of Tori brings sadness because she is no longer with us, but at the same time joy, because she is no longer in pain.  I can guarantee that she's doing multiple back flips without interruption. And landing each one perfectly! 

She reminds me of why I'm here.  Why I FIGHT BACK!  May you CELEBRATE your loved ones, REMEMBER all of the wonderful moments you've shared, and FIGHT BACK against anyone or ANYTHING that tries to take those moments from you.

One night. One community. One fight. We cannot think of a better way to describe the American Cancer Society Relay For Life. Thanks to your hard work more than 710 Relay events throughout the High Plains Division will raise more than $46 million dollars this year. Nationwide, Relay will raise an astounding $400 million dollars to help the Society defeat cancer. Throughout 2006-2007, we had the opportunity to celebrate with you, remember with you and fight back with you. From Hawaiian sunrises to Missouri snowstorms, our Relay journeys were filled with life-changing moments. Many of you — survivors and caregivers —shared your stories of why you Relay — and we were touched. Some of you were first time Relayers, while many of you were veterans.  Each of you embodied the spirit of Relay — celebrating those who have battled cancer, remembering our loved ones lost, and empowering individuals and communities to fight back against a disease that takes so much.Ultimately we were reminded that what makes Relay so special is that it is a gift … a gift that communities give themselves, and each Relay community gives to all of us. We, like you, continue to be transformed by the power of Relay –the power of Purple.

We applaud and encourage each of you as you continue to spread the Relay message 365 days a year. Thank you so much for all you do in the fight against cancer. We look forward to seeing each of you on the track again soon!

Jim, a police officer in Liberty Missouri, was one of the first people my wife, youngest son, and I talked with when we walked the Relay track. Jim volunteered his time providing security for the Relay For Life of Liberty. It was his first Relay. He talked about his own family’s experience - his mother had suffered from cancer. He also mentioned a young police officer in Liberty who lost his battle with colon cancer. Jim said he had driven by the Relay in the past in his patrol car; seeing it from a distance; but until this night he never attended the Relay. “It looks different up close,” he said, as he looked at the survivors and track walkers. Jim’s right. Relays, when viewed from a distance, have much in common. There’s a track, excited people, refreshments, tents, and track signs. It’s when you get close, when you start talking with the participants and listening to their individual stories…that’s when each Relay becomes very different…and very unforgettable.

Hawaii Pacific is a critical region for Relay For Life in the High Plains Division. Having some of our most mature events and raising more than $1.60 per capita, the Hawaii volunteers and staff have a purple passion that is second to none. My HiPac Relay tour began in Maui on July 14 with the Relay For Life of Central Maui Opening Ceremony.  I was joined by Reuel Johnson, National VP for Relay and Mike Dany, CEO for the High Plains Division. I was not only impressed with the 56 teams, 65 survivors and the $145,000 raised, but also by the simple, but critical messaging of colon cancer screening. It was obvious that the Relay For Life of Central Maui exemplified the importance of integrating the mission of the Society throughout their event. We then caught the last flight to Honolulu on the island of Oahu to join the Relay For Life of Magic Island during their midnight ceremonies. Magic Island is one of the largest Relays in Hawaii with 88 teams and honoring more than 150 survivors. Magic Island puts a special emphasis in recruiting corporate teams. It was especially rewarding to visit each campsite and hear the incredible stories about why they Relay. This Credit Union team joined forces this year with all their branches to raise more than $50,000. The Hawaii Pacific Corporate staff, and members of the Board of Directors are heavily involved with the Relay For Life of Magic Island showing their collective support by remaining throughout the night. Our Relay evening ended on the eastern side of Oahu at the closing ceremonies of the Relay For Life of Kailua. The closing ceremony, with the sun rising over the Pacific Ocean (there’s no other place in the US where you can watch the sun rise over the Pacific) provided one of the most special, spiritual experiences that I have ever had. The Kailua community is so supportive of Relay, and has been for many years. I was extremely impressed with the challenge given to each of the Relayers to continue the fight for the rest of the year. The message on our advocacy efforts was right on target with Relay launching a year-round campaign to fight this dreaded disease. My HiPac Relay tour concluded on July 21 when I had the privilage of attending the Relay For Life of Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. The Hilo event is the largest fundraising event for the American Cancer Society in the state of Hawaii and has been a Top Ten Per Capita Relay nationally.

This year’s impressive stats include $160,000 raised through 115 teams and more than 200 survivors participating. I’m confident that Hilo will again receive national recognition for their outstanding efforts.

Some Relays are good, some are great, but every once in a while you see one that is out of this world! To me that describes the Relay For Life of Saint Louis City . From the giant American flag hanging between two fire department ladder trucks, to the impeccable facilities at Saint Louis University High School, to the on-site fund-raising, to the passionate volunteers, it was an event to be proud of! Event Chair Alan Nehring assembled an incredible committee that embodied what Relay is all about.

You ever walk into an event and it just feels good! That is how I would describe the Relay For Life of Saint Peters in the Eastern Missouri Region. People were having fun, things were running smooth and the conversation with volunteers and staff was upbeat. Both events I attended this past Friday had great staff participation. Craig Boring, RVP for the region participated on his church team along with his three daughters and wife. And community manager Ben Layman's wife left the confines of downtown St. Louis to camp out at the event. I think it is a wonderful tribute to our staff and their families that so many participate on teams all across the High Plains. There is not another organization out there that has the quality of volunteers and staff that we have at the American Cancer Society! Speaking of which, thanks to Tiffany Bentley, event chair for doing a fantastic job organizing the event which will raise more than $67,000! Congratulations Saint Peters on a great community event!

It was perfect weather at the Relay For Life of Platte/Columbus in Nebraska and everyone was in good spirits. We were joined by the Columbus mayor as well as State Senator Arnie Stuthman, who were recognized by Nebraska Government Relations Director David Holmquist.  Senator Stuthman was one of the leaders of the Nebraska smoke-free bill this past session, which narrowly failed but will be up again in 2008.

At opening ceremonies, I was pleased to welcome the crowd on behalf of the Division, and they seemed to love the idea that "the sun never sets on the fight against cancer in the High Plains Division" when I told them what our geography was. I chatted with people from the largest employer in town and a platinum team, BD Medical. They make medical devices, including syringes, and their staff were involved in Relay in multiple ways: as a large team; hosting a "kissing booth" just by the track (which sold snacks, not kisses, but was very cute), putting a pictorial slide show together for after the luminaria ceremony; and other activities.

On June 8, I had the opportunity to attend an absolutely wonderful event in Lawrence, Kansas, home of the University of Kansas.  The weather could not have been more perfect nor could the event!  Co-Chairs Tina Yates and Debbie Bott (featured in this photo with staff partner, Stacie Schroeder) had all the bases covered. Lots of survivors, on-site activities, good food, and fantastic teams that raised big bucks.  All told $175,000!! I had the opportunity to meet their top fundraiser Bob Silipigni.  Bob raised his money the old fashion way.  Bob went door-to-door and raised more than $15,000!  It goes to show that some things never change; dedication, hard work and personal touch will always show results. Here you can see Stacie with other Division Staff, Neil Robertson, vice president of grassroots development, and Tekia Thompson, director of communications for Relay who came out to support this event. Thanks again to Tina, Debbie and staff partner Stacie Schroeder. You have set the bar high for Relays in Kansas!

This is mango season in Hawaii and fresh mango slices were the dessert of the day at the Relay For Life of Mililani ( June 16-17). The picture here shows our Central/Leeward ED Jennifer Grantham between her Co-chairs Mary Naweli and Chanda Keawe (with a plate of mango slices, of course :)

One of the fun activities held during the 18-hour Relay at Mililani was boardwalking. Easier said than done. Despite the "left-right, left-right cadence" getting to the finish line was not easy. Mililani is in the middle of the island of Oahu...so more pine trees than palm trees.

Sharing the Power of Purple!
Jackie Young, Ph.D.
Chief Staff Officer for Mission

Earlier this month, while attending the Division board meeting in St. Louis, I had the good fortune of accompanying Steve Zamzow to a nearby Relay For Life event.  It just so happened to be a terrific spring day - clear skies,70 degrees.... So, I had high hopes for a good evening.  The location was the small town of Washington, MO, just outside of St. Louis.  I've attended a limited number of Relay sites during my tenure with the American Cancer Society, and am familiar with the general program and flow for an opening ceremony.  I can honestly say; however, that the Washington, MO opening ceremony and subsequent survivors’ lap was the most moving I have experienced.  Maybe it was the beautifully written poem read by a priest undergoing treatment for cancer, combined with the sheer number of survivors in there purple shirts (some 170+, I was told) along with the very well done duet of the national anthem that moved me. It may have been the sun going down over the backdrop of a park like setting (the Relay was on the local fairgrounds near a small lake surrounded by many tall trees) that caused me to rank this opening ceremony as most memorable.  Regardless, I was both moved and proud as I stood there. I was moved by the strength of those standing there, many of them in the midst of their very personal battles with this disease, yet very publicly proclaiming their survivorship. I was proud to recall that I am blessed to work every day for an organization dedicated to helping them and all who face cancer. Another memorable experience at the Relay was the opportunity I had to sign up to participate in the Cancer Prevention Study #3 (CPS-3) that the ACS is conducting.  I hope to play a small role in advancing the understanding of lifestyle and health choices and their impact on the disease over time through my participation.  All who are 65 and under and who have not yet faced cancer are encouraged to sign up and participate in the study.     

On June 1, as thunderstorms and lightning threatened the Relay For Life of DeSoto, Kansas, the event chair having cancelled the event two years earlier was prepared. It was moved indoors to the local community center. Cindy Williams a 2006-2007 Hero of Hope got it started with her inspirational story during the opening ceremony. There was no mistaking the Relay spirit, even with a makeshift track. The gym was packed, the music was loud, and everyone was having a good time.  They also get my award for the best and largest rice krispy treats!

They initially reported being short of their goal, but a week later they reached it!  This small community raised $40,000!  Congratulations to Rita Jones, event chair and Kala Glass, community manager for not quitting and for turning what was an initial DNG event into a goal setting event!  Pictured from left to right are Rita, Cindy and Kala.

Sharing the Power of Purple,
Randy Linduff
Chief Staff Officer, Field Operations

When asked why we Relay, everyone has a story. Here is American Cancer Society staff member Jim Boaze with his story. Jim, as you can see, volunteers to put on the Polyp Man costume and travels to many Relays promoting the important health message of colon cancer screening.

Aloha!

I had the pleasure of attending the Relay For Life at Kaneohe and I took a few photos.  It was a small Relay, but as with every Relay event, the expressions of hope are special.  The "purple team" are applauding the survivors on the opening lap. They were part of a five-team church group - all wearing specially designed purple shirts. I gathered some of them for a group shot.

Sharing the Power of Purple,
Jackie Young, Ph.D
Chief Staff Officer for Mission

When asked why we Relay, everyone has a story. Whether it’s your personal cancer story, that of family members, friends or colleagues' cancer experiences, each story is a reminder of why we Relay. Here’s a brief video of Shelly Hogan’s personal Relay story. 

The volunteer and staff partnership is one of the special attributes that helps make the American Cancer Society successful. Whether you are a volunteer or a member of the staff team, we all are Relayers.

Each of us has a story about why we Relay. Despite strong wind, a bad microphone, and the music that was pumping up the volume for Austin Westlake Relayers, Jackie Bayly-Bryant tells you the brief version of her story in this one-minute video clip.

Jackie Bayly-Bryant, VP for Communications

Sharing the Power of Purple,
Danny Ingram
Chief Staff Officer – Strategic Initiatives

Yes, it is right here in the High Plains Division. I had the honor of attending the Relay For Life of Real (pronounced Ree-all) County in Leakey (pronounced Lake-ie), Texas last Friday night (May 4) and what a treat it was. This Relay raised more than $27 per capita and was #1 in the nation last year. I attended it a few years ago when it was #1 in Texas and #2 in the nation. That night it took over the nation's top spot. This year's event may not top last year's, but it won't be from lack of trying. I've never seen a community more covered by a Relay event. This little community of less than 3,500 people had about $75,000 in hand at 11p.m. that night, with more to come. There was a Cutest Baby contest, a ping-pong tournament, and a bubble gum biggest bubble contest (I was the judge for this one). Even if the event does not top last year's $92,000, it may retain its #1 national ranking as it was far ahead of last year's second place finisher. Congrats Real on another successful year!

Sharing the Power of Purple,
Chris Torti - Chief of Staff

When Gordy Klatt ran his first laps around the Washington track, could anyone imagine what Relay For Life would become? Relay has become many things-a community presence, a powerful advocacy voice, and a celebration of survivorship-to name a few. But this week I was reminded that what makes Relay so special is that it is a gift…a gift that communities give themselves, and each Relay community gives to all of us. Is it really a surprise that Relays have become so important to so many individuals and communities? Relays are transformational. Relay takes the fear and helplessness that is often associated with cancer and transforms it into hope and action. When survivors walk their lap to the cheers of the community, each step affirms the power to overcome and triumph in the face of cancer. When we light luminarias in honor of those with cancer and in remembrance of those who have died, we are illuminating the darkness with candles of hope...hope that we will one day eliminate the suffering and pain of cancer. This gift of hope is never more important than when we as individuals, communities, or as a nation are faced with tragedy and despair. More than a week ago when tragedy struck Virginia Tech, the Relay community suffered the loss of a fellow Relayer. The stories of the Virginia Tech Relayers who held their Relay just days after the senseless deaths of their fellow students and professors, was a gift and an inspiration to all of us. They refused to allow themselves to be consumed by the darkness, but instead lit up the Virginia night with their candles of hope.
   
Jack Shipkoski, CEO of the South Atlantic Division, sent this update after the Virginia Tech Relay…… Thank you again for your collective support and outreach to our Virginia Tech student leadership and the entire campus community. It was an extraordinary thing to witness everyone coming together instantaneously on their behalf at our Nationwide RFL Staff Meeting.  Thank you all and your Divisions - it meant the world to them to hear from you, and to know that there were luminaria candles and special ceremonies happening in tribute to them at events across the nation. Special thanks also for all those who paid special tribute to Caitlen Hammerin, the RFL participant who was lost in the tragedy. As we speak, she has raised $10,262 on her homepage and has literally received donations and on-line messages from across the nation and the world thanks to all of you. Her parents attended the event and because both Caitlen and her parents are runners, they ran in her memory and were embraced by all those in attendance.  Words fail in describing the significance of that... After tragedies like 9/11, the gulf coast hurricanes, and others---one Relay community after another decided to continue on with their Relays.  And Relayers, when faced with personal loss, continue on. 

It's about HOPE,
Danny Ingram, Chief Staff Officer – Strategic Initiatives

*if the first link to the video is too slow in loading, here's a another link that will load faster-->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEsTEdjWrCE

Well I can now say I have Relayed on an island and no that would not be Hawaii, but Galveston! And what an event it was, doubling its income from last year and bringing the Relay magic back to that beautiful community. This year they changed their location to Moody Gardens and what an interesting change it was.  For the first time in my career I saw an event staged in a parking lot! The track was outlined by orange cones and there was no worry of mud! 

Real estate may be about location, location, location, but Relay is about people, people, people! And the success factor of this Relay was no different. Great people who provide great volunteer leadership. Event Chair Christy Taylor relays because of her grandmother and Co-Chair Lisa Valasquez, lost her husband to cancer and now stands herself as a cancer survivor. These two truly brought energy and excitement to the Galveston event. Congratulations to Galveston and staff partner Danielle Soria-Orozco for a terrific event!

Sitting on the west bank of the Colorado River’s winding path toward Austin, Westlake High School Stadium was the host site for the American Cancer Society Relay For Life on April 21, 2007.  One of many Relays in the Austin and surrounding area, this is the “home” Relay of Board member and immediate past Chairman of the High Plains Division Board of Directors, Jon Hornaday. I invite you to watch this 4-minute video to see some of the activities from Westlake and to hear Jon tell why he Relays. 

This past Saturday evening we went to the Relay For Life of Round Rock in Williamson County, Texas. Held at Dell Diamond, it was a bit blustery and cool, but everyone was having a good time. All Relays are very special to me, perhaps more so since I became a cancer survivor four years ago. But having the event at the Dell Diamond, a baseball field, where my wife and I often attend games, was especially wonderful. We love baseball and any baseball field is revered ground to us. The first picture shows our Relay For Life logo on the big TV screen above the scoreboard. Of all the Relays I've attended this was my favorite. We went with Steve and Kerry Zamzow, and although Steve probably goes to as many Relays as anyone, he still had a good time. I really appreciated the Zamzows being there, supporting my wife and my fight against my cancer.  As usual, there were some unpredictable moments. For the first time I've been on the survivor's walk, caregivers walked as well. It makes sense to me since I know how hard my wife worked to get me through my prostate cancer. However, neither she nor I knew that caregivers were walking with the survivors, so when I spotted her in the stands with the Zamzows, I waved her down to join me. The second picture, taken by Steve, shows my wife, aptly named "Kat," breaking all the Dell Diamond rules and jumping onto the field from the stands to join me in the final part of the walk.  The Relay Team did something new at this event. Each survivor and caregiver were given a Relay balloon and when the announcer counted the years that people had been a survivor, we released our balloons when our number was called. Watching those balloons float up from the baseball field over the stands and into the evening sky was the single most moving moment I've ever had at a Relay event. One survivor got to 53 years before releasing the balloon. The third picture shows my wife and me before the balloons were released.  In addition to great T-shirts - they get better every year for more than one reason - each survivor was given a beautiful medal. (My wife commented that whoever designed it deserves an award.) The last picture is Steve with Kerry and Kat.   Everyone associated with the Relay For Life of Round Rock deserves an "attaboy" or "attagirl" and a pat on the back. Thank you very much for a job done well.   

My '07 Relay season got off to an incredible start this year in St. Louis at the Relay For Life of Washington University on March 3. Their fifth-year event raised a record $300K and put them over the $1M mark since their inception. With more than 2,000 participants and 185 teams, the Wash U Relay continues to set the bar for College/University events across the country. Oh, yeh.....all this success occurred on a night when the temperature was 29 degrees, with a 20mph wind and blowing snow just prior to the opening ceremonies. Joining me in this picture are Craig Boring, Region Vice President for Eastern Missouri and Stephanie Kash, Community Manager for Development and lead staff for the event.